At RugsUSA, we know that rugs can be a part of any room, even kitchens.
While some homeowners are skeptical of placing rugs in the kitchen due to the inevitability of spills and culinary miscues, the right rug can tie together the room’s aesthetic, adding a cozy flair and colorful character.
They are also an excellent choice to cover up kitchen flooring you’re not particularly fond of, such as old laminate. In this article, our rug experts answer all of the questions you have about kitchen rugs and explain how to pick the best kitchen rug for your home.
Read on to learn more about the best type of rug for kitchens, how to choose a kitchen rug for your home, and where you can buy them.
What type of rug is best for the kitchen?
With so many rug options, it can be difficult to know what type is best for your kitchen. While picking rugs is often deeply personal, here are some of our suggestions to point you in the right direction.
Washable Rugs
A washable rug makes a great choice in the kitchen because cleanup is a breeze. Because spills are common in the kitchen, you want a washable option that can go right to the washing machine. Check out these one-piece design options.
Flatweave Rugs
In the kitchen, you’ll want a rug that is easy to clean. To these ends, consider a flatweave rug, which is easier to clean than one with a high pile. With a flatweave rug, you can easily clean kitchen spills with a broom or damp rag. You can even run a vacuum over it to quickly dispose of crumbs.
Indoor-Outdoor Rugs
Because you are preparing, cooking, and plating food daily in the kitchen, food messes are ubiquitous. Indoor-outdoor rugs make great options for the kitchen because the fibers are resistant to spills and stains.
Natural Fiber Rugs
People often ask if a natural fiber rug is suitable for the kitchen, and we answer with a cautious “yes.” Natural fibers like jute or wool can be spot cleaned, but take care not to spill a glass of wine or drop a saucier pan of pasta gravy on it. These rugs don’t clean as easily as the other options we’ve suggested.
How do I choose the right kitchen rug?
Size is one of the most important considerations when choosing a rug for your kitchen. Grab a measuring tape and quickly jot down the dimensions of the room, then estimate how much floor you want to cover.
If your kitchen includes an island, a runner in front of the cabinets and sink makes sense. Runners are perfect for any narrow space. Another benefit: runners make smaller kitchens appear more spacious. If you don’t want a full-sized runner, a comfort mat makes a nice alternative.
For larger kitchens, area rugs make an excellent choice. These bigger rugs allow you to choose eye-catching designs for bold statements.
Here are the most common dimensions for kitchen rugs:
Many people ask: what is the best size of rug to place in the front of the kitchen sink? Our suggestion is to choose a size about 6 inches larger than the size of your sink. Or for a rug that stands out, consider a uniquely shaped rug, like a half circle or crescent.
How should I place kitchen rugs?
As a general rule, place kitchen rugs in the areas that experience the most foot traffic. Here are some options to consider:
- A kitchen mat in front of the sink
- Between the island and cabinets
- An area rug under the kitchen table (if you have one)
For safety and easier cleaning, leave about a foot of space between the rug and your walls and cabinets.
Because you maneuver pots and pans full of hot ingredients and handle knives and other sharp culinary tools in the kitchen, it is essential that you keep your rugs from sliding. Sliding rugs are a hazard anywhere, but they are especially dangerous in the kitchen.
To secure your kitchen rugs, invest in rug pads. Those usually feature a rubber or felt backing. Other securing mechanisms include gripping tapes.
Are kitchen rugs washable?
Yes! Kitchen rugs are easy to clean, and many can even be placed in the wash. Machine washable options make a great choice. Check out our extensive list of washable options here.
Though machine washable options are an easily cleanable solution, you can still choose other options. You just need to know how to clean them. Here are some tips:
First, vacuum the rug to remove larger debris such as crumbs and food particles. Next, in a bucket, mix a teaspoon of dish soap with warm water and stir it until it becomes a soapy lather. Test the solution on an inconspicuous portion of the rug to make sure it won’t cause fading.
Work the soapy water into the rug and let it rest. Then, rinse the rug. Depending on the size of the stain, you might be able to use a pitcher of water and a rag. If the stain is extensive, take it to the backyard and use a hose.
Finally, wring out the rug and let it air dry. Don’t place it back on your kitchen floor until the rug has completely dried. Placing a wet rug on the floor can cause damage.
Are kitchen rugs necessary?
While kitchen rugs aren’t exactly necessary, they offer benefits that are both aesthetic and functional.
Aesthetically, the right kitchen rug can tie the room together and offer a cozy and comforting vibe.
Functionally, a kitchen rug can reduce the risks of slip and falls by offering tractions in high-traffic areas. To these ends, consider a washable rug. They offer the best of both worlds: cleanliness and comfort.
If a large kitchen rug isn’t your thing, an anti-fatigue mat could be a perfect choice. These mats are perfect on the floor in front of the counter where you do most of your cooking prep. They offer shock absorption, taking stress off your feet and legs.
In essence, opting for a kitchen rug is a way of personalizing your space, especially if you are renting and looking to stylize your room without making significant changes.
Are kitchen rugs in style?
Absolutely! Just perform a quick Google search of “Kitchen Rugs,” and you’ll find hundreds of blogs discussing ideas of what you can do with rugs in the kitchen. And one of the reasons why kitchen rugs have become so popular is that so many styles and sizes work well in the room. Your options with kitchen rugs are truly endless. Here are some of our tips:
Embrace Geometry
Do you have tile flooring in your kitchen? If so, it’s the perfect opportunity to place a kitchen rug. Pick an option that compliments the style of tile flooring. For example, a Moroccan jute rug placed over terracotta tile is a classic design choice.
Blend In
Not interested in a flashy rug for your kitchen? Try a neutral rug with a solid color scheme. This type of kitchen rug can blend in with the rest of your room and provide comfort for your feet while you prepare your culinary delights.
Make a Statement
Encourage your kitchen to make a statement by selecting a graphic rug with a modern style. These rugs are great under a table or in the middle of the room on their own.
Where can I buy kitchen rugs?
At RugsUSA, our easy-to-navigate website makes it simple to purchase the perfect rug for your kitchen. We believe that finding the right rugs for your home should be affordable. To meet those goals, we team with designers and artisans to provide one of the largest online selections in the market.
Find several of our favorite kitchen mats here and search several of our indoor/outdoor and washable rug selections perfect for any kitchen here. For even more inspiration and design tips, check out our blog.
